Testimonials

“A learning environment that mandates peer nurturance and positive interaction among adolescents. It doesn't get much better!”
— Carol Holton, retired psychotherapist, MSW, LCSW

“You wouldn't believe the rules at this place. Like, you’re not allowed to be mean to other kids!! Do you believe it? It is so awesome! It just feels so good to learn there. I just wish everyone had to go there and learn kindness. It would make life so much better.”
— Academy student

“Theirs is a story of becoming someone else—and finding yourself in the end."
— Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

“Our child was involved in First Stage … after which surprising report card grade improvements were made in reading, writing, mathematics, speaking/listening, science, and most notably social development and work habits.”
— Academy parent

“Though people here come from different backgrounds, it's never an issue when it comes to making friends."
— Academy student

“What may have turned out to be a summer of teenage sleeping late, TV watching and general hanging out, has turned into an exciting summer of learning new skills, gaining confidence and making wonderful new friends.”
— Academy parent

“You see, this is why we do this! I’m dyslexic and I came here afraid to read. I was so afraid I wouldn’t be able to read or get it. But it clicked for me and once you get self esteem, and influenced by being around the great people here, you carry that everywhere.”
— Academy student

“I want to tell you how much your program means to her, both all that she is learning but especially the environment of acceptance and support that you create in the school. She feels she can be totally herself at First Stage--what a gift to a sixth grade girl who marches to her own drummer.”
— Academy parent


Photo by Maureen Hartjes